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conn serial numbers

found a website that lists conn serial numbers up to 1968. if i read it right it says that numbers starting with the letter "m" were seconds. is that right? don't ask for the web address because i don't remember. anyway if that is right does it affect the value of the vintage horns?

Re: conn serial numbers

No,No, the M prefix denotes the ARTIST models eg.M266xxxA (my late tranny/6M)
When the Transitional period ended the pro horns were designated 6M,IOM,12M,The forum is full of info on these famous models. My 1953 10m simply has the 6digit serial number357xxx stamped below the PAT.APP'D FOR--
Maybe you're confusing the M for an N these were the Nogales (Mexiconns) after the move from Elkart, Ind.
Regards BF

Re: conn serial numbers

Wrong on all counts.

Conn started using letter prefixes on serial numbers in 1963. Those serials started with a 'C'. I have a 10M with a serial number starting with the letter 'L', made in 1968 in Elkhart, Indiana. The 10M production stayed in Elkhart until the end. It was not moved to Nogales Arizona or Nogales Mexico. The student horns were made there beginning in the 1970's or so.

The 'M' prefix was used on earlier saxophones, too. See some commonly referenced serial number charts. Don't believe all serial number lists. They have mistakes. Also, Conn did some unusual things at times.

Re: conn serial numbers

when dealing with the 1960s and later Conns it is good to provide a photo of the horn. The pre 1960 horns follow the numbers well. Also keep in mind that the Conn instruments all used a letter for the family. Thus, M= sax, O=flute, N=clarinet, D=French horn, etc.

Re: conn serial numbers

There were 2 sets of Conn models that had M prefacing the serial number, and this often a source of confusion.

Conn started putting "M" before the serial numbers during the New Wonder II (Chu Berry) line in the 20s. Not all NWIIs have an M in front of the serial number. As Bruce stated, the "M" stands for saxophone. BTW, officially, even NWIIs were listed as "6M" in Conn's catalogs, even though the 6M stamp didn't appear until after the Conn transitional period.

The Ms you have to be careful of are the ones in the 60s...Conn ran out of serial numbers and started putting letters in front of them in the late 50s or early 60s...starting with "C". I'm not certain of this, but I believe that an "M"-prefaced serial number from this vintage will only have 5 digits. "M"-prefaced horns from the 20s-30s have 6 digits after the M. You'll see a NWII or 6M on eBay occasionally listed as a late 60s horn because someone consulted the serial number chart and misinterpreted it.

As Bruce says, it's best to have a pic of the horn. Go to saxpics.com and check pics of various Conns so you know your forms, or you may end up paying 6M prices for a Mexiconn.

Re: conn serial numbers

One additional correction:

Conn started moving production of their student lines from Elkhart to the ex Best Manufacturing plant in Nogales, AZ in the early 60's. And, as Dave mentions, the production of the "Artist" pro models remained in Elkhart, IN clear up until near the very end of the road for those models in early 70'/71'.

Re: conn serial numbers

Re: conn serial numbers

Originally Posted by bruce bailey

when dealing with the 1960s and later Conns it is good to provide a photo of the horn. The pre 1960 horns follow the numbers well. Also keep in mind that the Conn instruments all used a letter for the family. Thus, M= sax, O=flute, N=clarinet, D=French horn, etc.

My Conn Bari Sax has a n at the beginning of the serial number so this must be wrong.